Today I am delighted to publish a post written by Jayne Persian, lecturer in history at the University of Southern Queensland, and author of Beautiful Balts: From displaced persons to new Australians. Her book was published this month by Small Publisher of the Year, NewSouth Books. This post is part of my 'Debut Author Chat' series where authors who have recently published … [Read more...] about Debut Author Chat: Jayne Persian and the Beautiful Balts
Family History
A Lesson in Life: Book Review of Auntie Rita
Warning: This post contains references to Aboriginal people who are now deceased. The books and links referred to in this post may also contain references and images of deceased Aboriginal people. Each July, book blogger Lisa Hill encourages bloggers to review books written by indigenous authors from around the world. She chooses 'Indigenous Literature Week' to coincide with … [Read more...] about A Lesson in Life: Book Review of Auntie Rita
Searching Catalogues Effectively: National Archives of Australia
While in Hobart I have been spending a lot of time in the ‘History Room’ at the State Library. This is where researchers can retrieve items from the state and national archives that are held in Hobart. In my book I want to include stories of soldiers from each state in Australia and also look at their pre-war experiences, hence my Tasmanian research. As usual I am encountering … [Read more...] about Searching Catalogues Effectively: National Archives of Australia
Refugees: Custodians of a Nation’s History
The people we share a train carriage with on the way to work, the hundreds we pass in a busy shopping centre, all these people carry a story within them. Each story is changing, developing and interlinked with others. Each story is a multi-faceted tile that helps to build the complex, mosaic of human life on this planet. Fortunately for us Brisbane resident, Manijeh Saatchi, … [Read more...] about Refugees: Custodians of a Nation’s History
A Gleam of Hope
I am in Melbourne for a few weeks for someone very special. Our first grandchild was born a couple of weeks ago. It was not only the first grandchild on both sides of the family, but the first great-grandchild for all great-grandparents. She is so calm and quiet when we are around although the parents have had some sleepless nights. She squawks a bit on the change table but … [Read more...] about A Gleam of Hope